Self-Propagating high temperature synthesis(SHS) technique was used to synthesize the spinel phase of MgAl2O from MgO and Al powder. Processing factors such as mixing time preheating temperature and ignition catalyst were varied to determine the optimum condition to form MgAl2O4 phase. The reaction products were heat treated at the temperature range of 120$0^{circ}C$ and 150$0^{circ}C$. to observe phase transformation of unreacted materials. Processing factors such as 48 hrs-mixing 80$0^{circ}C$-preheating and 20wt% KNO3-ignition catalyst were effective of the formation of MgAl2O spinel. An activation energy 49.7kcal/mol. was calculated to form a MaAl2O4 spinel from unreacted materials.